UNASSIGNED: To evaluate the effects of 1800 MHz continuous wave (CW) and global system for mobile communications (GSM) modulated radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RFEMF) exposures on signal transduction (ST) protein and cytokine expression in differentiated human-derived monocytic THP-1 cells.
UNASSIGNED: THP-1 cells were differentiated into adherent macrophage-like cells using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Following differentiation, cells were exposed to 1800 MHz CW or GSM modulated RFEMF for 0.5, 4, or 24 h at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0 (sham) or 2.0 W/kg. Concurrent positive controls (lipopolysaccharide for cytokines; anisomycin for ST proteins) and negative controls were included in each experiment. The expression levels of cytokines (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) from culture media and phosphorylated and total ST proteins (CREB, JNK, NF-κB, p38, ERK1/2, Akt, p70S6k, STAT3, STAT5) from cell lysates were assessed using Milliplex magnetic bead array panels.
UNASSIGNED: No consistent effect of RFEMF exposure was observed in differentiated THP-1 cells. A statistically significant effect of overall exposure condition was observed for IL-6 with GSM modulation (P = 0.042), but no difference between RFEMF and sham for any exposure condition remained following adjustment for multiple comparisons (P ≥ 0.128). No statistically significant effect of exposure condition was detected for any other cytokine evaluated with either of the RFEMF modulations (P ≥ 0.078). There were no statistically significant changes in expression levels for any of the ST proteins under any studied exposure condition (P ≥ 0.320).
UNASSIGNED: In this study, no evidence of changes were observed in differentiated human derived THP-1 cells following exposure of up to 24 h to 1800 MHz RFEMF at SARs of 0 and 2.0 W/kg on the expression of ST proteins or cytokines.

暂无摘要。

BACKGROUND: Post-acne scars are a common sequela of acne, especially prevalent among young people. Delayed treatment not only affects self-perception of beauty but also affects the mental health of patients.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) combined with botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) in managing post-acne scars.
METHODS: This retrospective study involved 63 adult patients with post-acne scars, divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 30) and group 2 (n = 33). Group 1 received treatment with MFR combined with transcutaneous delivery of BoNT/A, whereas group 2 received treatment with MFR alone. The study observed the clinical outcomes in both groups.
RESULTS: Based on experimental analysis, the combination of MFR with transcutaneous delivery of BoNT/A demonstrated superior clinical efficacy compared with group 2. There were no significant differences in baseline data or treatment-related pain and adverse reactions between the two groups. However, group 1 exhibited a higher effectiveness rate, lower ECCA score after treatment, higher satisfaction levels, and statistically significant differences compared to group 2.
CONCLUSIONS: MFR combined with transcutaneous delivery of BoNT/A represents an effective and safe alternative for treating acne scars with minimal side effects and complications.
CONCLUSIONS: Post-acne scars are a common sequela of acne and combination therapy proves beneficial. Microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) combined with transcutaneous delivery of BoNT/A can be considered an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of acne scars with minimal side effects and complications. It works together through microneedles, radiofrequency, and botulinum toxin. MFR combined with transcutaneous delivery of BoNT/A is based on the direct action of MFR on acne scars and the use of microneedle to create a transient skin microchannel, facilitating BoNT/A penetration into the skin.

UNASSIGNED: Percutaneous rhizotomy is a group of techniques used to treat trigeminal neuralgia. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF) and Chemical Rhizotomy (CR) using glycerol are among the most frequently used methods. We have recently refined Ethanol Rhizotomy (ER) under Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) guidance.
UNASSIGNED: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted to compare our refined ER and RF ablation in patients with trigeminal neuralgia in terms of long-term pain relief and side effects.
UNASSIGNED: Between 2012 and 2014, 33 patients with typical trigeminal neuralgia were enrolled, 10 of whom received RF and 23 received ER under (DSA) guidance with ethanol injected while in the supine position. The pain relief, duration of pain-free period, need for repeat injection, and recurrence of pain were recorded together with procedure-related complications within 7 years after the procedures.
UNASSIGNED: After a single intervention or, in some cases, a maximum of two repeated interventions, all 33 patients experienced complete pain relief. Nevertheless, following a single procedure, the success rate was 95.6% (22/23) in the ER group and 60% (6/10) in the RF group. Notably, complete numbness was the most significant side effect, with a higher incidence in the ER group (30.4%) compared to the RF group (0%) (p = 0.02). The recurrence rate was statistically different (p = 0.01) between the two groups, with 4.4% and 40% recorded in the ER and RF groups, respectively.
UNASSIGNED: We demonstrated the usefulness of our refined ER procedure as a safe, cost-effective, and efficient second-line treatment for TN.

UNASSIGNED: Chronic axial low back pain due to zygapophysial joint arthropathy is best diagnosed via lumbar medial branch block (MBB). However, the paradigm by which MBB is used to select patients for lumbar radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) is contested. Dual diagnostic lumbar MBB with a minimum of ≥80% pain relief to diagnose lumbar zygapophysial joint pain are accepted by some Medicare Local Coverage Determination (LCD) as the method for selecting patients for RFN for the management of lumbar zygapophysial joint pain. However, some argue that dual diagnostic MBB and the ≥80% pain relief threshold lack utility in clinical practice, given that those that progress from MBB1 to MBB2 will then flow from MBB2 to RFN without fail.
UNASSIGNED: Pragmatic retrospective clinical audit.
UNASSIGNED: Does clinical practice of dual diagnostic lumbar MBBs and an ≥80% pain improvement diagnostic threshold reduce patient eligibility for RFN after both MBB1 and MBB2?
UNASSIGNED: Using dual diagnostic lumbar MBBs and an ≥80% pain improvement diagnostic threshold, 90/167 (54%, 95% CI 46-61%) patients successfully progressed from MBB1 to MBB2. Of those 90 patients, 66 patients (73%, 95% CI 64-82%) successfully progressed from MBB2 to RFN. Both MBB1 and MBB2 impacted the eligibility of the progression of 77/167 (46%, 95% CI 39-54%) patients and 24/90 patients (27%, 95% CI 18-36%), respectively. An additional sub-cohort analysis which included all the patients from the ≥80% pain relief cohort, and those who progressed at the discretion of the providers with 50-79% relief revealed that 124/167 patients (74%, 95% CI 68-81%) successfully progressed from MBB1 to MBB2. Of those 124 patients, 99 patients (80%, 95% CI 73-87%) progressed from MBB2 to RFN. In this laxer criteria cohort, MBB1 and MBB2 impacted the eligibility of the progression of 43/167 patients (26%, 95% CI 19-32%) and 25/124 patients (20%, 95% CI 13-27%), respectively.
UNASSIGNED: MBB1 and MBB2 both filtered patients from progression to lumbar RFN using dual MBBs with an ≥80% pain relief criteria. It also held true when using a more relaxed pain relief selection criterion as well. Dual MBB\'s and ≥80% pain improvement criteria as a selection paradigm led to half as many lumbar RFNs being performed when compared to a single MBB and ≥80% pain improvement criteria. In theory, a more rigid selection paradigm treats less patients but exposes fewer to unnecessary RFNs while a laxer selection paradigm treats more patients but exposes more to unnecessary RFNs.

UNASSIGNED: Summarize the therapeutic pain-reducing effects of GnRF for refractory post-TKA knee pain. A secondary objective was to summarize improvements in physical function after GnRF.
UNASSIGNED: A protocol was registered, and a database search conducted by an experienced librarian of all available studies in the English language up until November 3, 2021. Study inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective longitudinal studies, cross-sectional studies, case series, case reports, studies involving adults ≥18 years of age, and studies written about the use of GnRF for the alleviation of chronic knee pain after receiving a TKA. The study quality and risk of bias was assessed using NHLBI Study Quality of Assessment Tools and Murad et al.\'s Quality Assessment of Case Reports. Certainty in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 229 studies were screened, 11 met the inclusion criteria, and 265 patients underwent GnRF. Study designs included 1 double-blind pragmatic RCT, 5 retrospective cohort studies, 2 retrospective case series, and 3 case reports. The overall study quality assessment demonstrated three studies had \"good\", six \"fair\", and two \"poor\" quality. There have been positive responses to GnRF for post-TKA chronic knee pain in a range of 30-100% of patients.
UNASSIGNED: According to GRADE, there is limited evidence, associated with low certainty to support the use of GnRF to ameliorate chronic knee pain after TKA, largely due to inconsistency and risk of bias. The studies included in this review reported positive results in pain and disability, and relatively few adverse events.

BACKGROUND: We discuss the diagnostic benefit of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in a case series of patients with different pathologies. We expand the diagnostic potential of DRG stimulation beyond paresthesia mapping by using DRG stimulation to help determine the role of the DRG in the patient\'s pain and narrow down the etiology. In some cases, DRG stimulation was also part of the treatment plan.
METHODS: Six patients underwent DRG radiofrequency as a diagnostic/therapeutic step before considering implantation of a DRG neurostimulator. First, patients underwent a basic bedside neurological evaluation. Next, an electrode was placed in the epidural space through the sacral hiatus or between vertebral laminae. Then, sensory stimulation was applied at 50 Hz and gradually increased from 0.1 V until the patient reported paresthesia or until a maximum intensity of 2 V was reached. Patients were asked to describe where the stimulation was felt and outline the anatomical area the paresthesia covered. Then a motor stimulation was applied at 2 Hz until muscle twitching was reported by the patient or observed by the physician.
RESULTS: The information obtained helped diagnose the type of lesion as principally preganglionic, ganglionic, or postganglionic. This information guided patient management.
CONCLUSIONS: PRF of the DRG can provide valuable diagnostic information and is a useful step before ganglionic electrode implantation. In all cases, PRF of the DRG provided valuable diagnostic information and guided management options.

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a nonthermal energy source used for cardiac ablation procedures. Cell death during PFA occurs via electroporation: ultrarapid (micro- to nanosecond) electrical pulses are applied to destabilize cell membranes causing irreversible pores. PFA leads to preferential ablation of myocardiocytes, sparing adjacent tissue like the esophagus or phrenic nerve. Preliminary clinical studies show high efficacy and a good safety profile in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation. The question remains, however, whether this new technology will replace well-known and established thermal energy sources like radiofrequency current or cryoablation within the next 5 years.
UNASSIGNED: Die Pulsed-Field-Ablation (PFA) ist eine nichtthermische Energieform, bei deren Anwendung durch kurze Pulse hoher Spannung mittels des Prinzips der Elektroporation Gewebe abladiert wird. Es besteht eine gewisse Selektivität der PFA für Kardiomyozyten, so dass das umgebende Gewebe wie der N. phrenicus oder auch der Ösophagus geschont wird. In ersten klinischen Untersuchungen zeigt sich eine hohe Effektivität und Sicherheit bei der Pulmonalvenenisolation (PVI) zur Behandlung von Vorhofflimmern. Die Frage ist, ob diese neue Energieform der Ablation die thermischen Verfahren wie Hochfrequenzstrom und Kryoablation in 5 Jahren ersetzten wird.

BACKGROUND: The status of axillary lymph nodes (ALN) plays a critical role in the management of patients with breast cancer. It is an urgent demand to develop highly accurate, non-invasive methods for predicting ALN status.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound radiofrequency (URF) time-series parameters, in combination with clinical data, in predicting ALN metastasis in patients with breast cancer.
METHODS: We prospectively gathered clinicopathologic and ultrasonic data from patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Various machine-learning (ML) models were developed using all available features to determine the most efficient diagnostic model. Subsequently, distinct prediction models were created using the optimal ML model, and their diagnostic performances were evaluated and compared.
RESULTS: The study encompassed 240 patients, of whom 88 had lymph node metastases. A leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) method was used to split the entire dataset into training and testing subsets. The random forest ML model outperformed the other algorithms, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. Prediction models based on clinical, ultrasonic, URF parameters, clinical + ultrasonic, clinical + URF, and ultrasonic + URF parameters had AUCs of 0.56, 0.79, 0.78, 0.90, 0.80, and 0.84, respectively, in the testing set. The comprehensive diagnostic model (clinical + ultrasonic + URF parameters) demonstrated strong diagnostic capability, with an AUC of 0.94 in the testing set, exceeding any single prediction model.
CONCLUSIONS: The combined model (clinical + ultrasonic + URF parameters) could be used preoperatively to predict lymph node status, offering valuable input for the design of individualized surgical approaches.

BACKGROUND: Cervicogenic headache (CEH) and occipital neuralgia (ON) are headaches originating in the occiput and that radiate to the vertex. Because of the intimate relationship between structures based in the occiput and those in the upper cervical region, there is significant overlap between the presentation of CEH and ON. Diagnosis starts with a headache history to assess for diagnostic criteria formulated by the International Headache Society. Physical examination evaluates range of motion of the neck and the presence of tender areas or pressure points.
METHODS: The literature for the diagnosis and treatment of CEH and ON was searched from 2015 through August 2022, retrieved, and summarized.
RESULTS: Conservative treatment includes pain education and self-care, analgesic medication, physical therapy (such as reducing secondary muscle tension and improving posture), the use of TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), or a combination of the aforementioned treatments. Injection at various anatomical locations with local anesthetic with or without corticosteroids can provide pain relief for a short period. Deep cervical plexus block can result in improved pain for less than 6 months. In both CEH and ON, an occipital nerve block can provide important diagnostic information and improve pain in some patients, with PRF providing greater long-term pain control. Radiofrequency ablation of the cervical facet joints can result in improvement for over 1 year. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) should be considered for the treatment of refractory ON.
CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of CEH preferentially consists of radiofrequency treatment of the facet joints, while for ON, pulsed radiofrequency of the occipital nerves is indicated. For refractory cases, ONS may be considered.